Medication Management

Academic Support

We are committed to body positive principles in of all our programs. Our leaders and core staff have been trained by The Body Positive to facilitate a unique and powerful curriculum that teaches core principles that promote positive body image, increased self acceptance, and the development of a supportive and affirming community for recovery.

The Gold Standard in Mental Health Disorder Treatment

The Joint Commission requested that Discovery participate in developing the standards for mental health disorder treatment.

Mental Health Treatment Specialties

We firmly believe that teens and adolescents need specialized treatment when dealing with mental health disorders. Treatment with Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program is specially designed to provide each adolescent with the personalized treatment necessary to safely affect real behavioral, social, emotional and spiritual growth. The central goal is to provide effective and intensive treatment in a treatment setting where connection, trust, and growth can be fostered. The validated treatment program focuses on helping teens and adolescents learn about and deal with their disorders and the issues surrounding them in order to support long-term recovery.

Traumatic lifetime experiences like death, illness, loss, abandonment or perception of abandonment, bullying and forms of abuse significantly impact the psyche and physiological state of the individual. Trauma is also a subjective experience and individuals with a sensitive temperament are likely to have the experience of trauma from experiences that others may not perceive as traumatic. Exposure to prolonged states of stress caused by trauma can impact functioning and health and immunity, as well as lead to the development of an eating disorder and co-occurring disorders like depression and substance abuse.

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States for individuals 15-44 years of age. Lost wages, medications, psychotherapy treatment, suicide treatment, co-occurring mental health disorders and associated medical diseases all contribute to this disability cost. Major depressive disorder is characterized by a sad mood, inability to concentrate, loss of interest and other symptoms that affect how an individual thinks and feels. This disorder can result in stress at home, poor workplace performance, and turmoil in relationships.

Anxiety disorders consist of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia and are characterized by an intense state of worry and fear resulting from a threatening event or life stressor. Anxiety can be normal in cases of everyday stress or serious life stressors and individuals usually overcome this worry once the stressor dissipates however in individuals with anxiety disorder, their state of worry becomes more intensified over time.

Attachment refers to the physical, psychological and even biological bond that occurs between a child and their primary caretaker such as the mother and father. For the baby, attachment begins while in utero when nourishment is needed from the mother’s placenta. For the mother, attachment begins immediately after birth. The attachment bond can become stronger throughout infancy and childhood with more physical touch and comfort. Strong emotional and physical attachment to a parent is important for the childhood to develop so they can have secure relationships in adulthood. For many adopted children, their attachment bond is broken, sometimes multiple times, as they are passed around foster care and finally settle into their permanent adoptive family.

Self-injury is the purposeful action of inducing physical harm to oneself and is a very severe sign of emotional distress. According to the Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), self-harm is formally known as nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) as these self-destructive behaviors are performed without any intention of suicide. Adolescents are at the highest risk for self-harm injury as many studies state that roughly 15% of teenagers and 17-35% of college students have inflicted self-harmful behaviors on themselves. This disorder is increasing among the young population and can have severe consequences if not treated appropriately. Cutting, burning, skin carving, biting, poisoning, purposeful interference with wound healing, extreme skin picking and hair pulling are all examples of self-injury or self-harm.

Bipolar affective disorder or manic-depressive illness is a mood disorder characterized by periods of profound depression that alternate with periods of excessive elation and irritable mood known as mania. Individuals will suffer from extreme mood swings that interfere with personal relationships, occupational function, and daily activities. It is common for bipolar disorder to be apart of a co-occurring disorder, which refers to mental health illnesses that co-occur with substance abuse disorders such as opioid, alcohol or cocaine abuse. Bipolar disorder can often co-occur with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and when these disorders co-occur, there is a higher likelihood of substance abuse and suicide attempts. Bipolar disorder can be characterized into three types: bipolar disorder type I (BPI), bipolar disorder type II (BPII) and cyclothymia and differences depend on the frequency, duration and severity of the alternating symptoms.

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Discovery Whittier, CA Mental Health Disorder Treatment Center

At the Whittier, CA mental health disorder recovery center, clients are provided with 24-hour specialized care from a team of mental health disorder experts, including a therapist, medical doctor, nurses, and psychiatrist. Clients temporarily reside at our residential treatment center, where they can put life on hold and fully focus on healing emotionally and physically. From the moment you walk in the door, you will have a compassionate team by your side, supporting you daily and throughout your entire treatment experience.

What does a residential treatment setting look and feel like?

At Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program – Whittier, CA, our residential program is in a safe, comfortable and spacious home in a beautiful Whittier neighborhood. We treat a maximum of 6 clients at a time to maintain an intimate setting where residents can receive the attention and care they deserve.

"My daughter now has a 4.0 grade point average, she dresses respectfully, smiles and has not hurt herself since the week before she went to [Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program]. She has all new friends including her Dad and I. They have given my daughter and our family a whole new life."

Amber X.Parent of Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program Alumni

What might a typical day in residential treatment look like?

Each day is structured with various therapeutic activities all aimed towards healing and recovery. Upon entering treatment, you will be assigned an mental health disorder therapist who will meet with you regularly for individual and family therapy sessions. In addition, you will work closely with a registered dietitian to develop an individualized meal plan to meet your dietary needs. Mealtimes take place in a nurturing environment, and they are always supported by dietary staff and other members of our team. The rest of the day will include a variety of evidence-based treatments, specialized therapies, and carefully designed therapeutic challenges to facilitate self-discovery and assist you with achieving your personal treatment goals. Some of these include:

Expressive Arts

Mindfulness-Based Activities

Body Movement

Equine-Assisted Therapy

Recreational Activities

How long is a residential treatment stay?

The length of residential treatment will vary from person to person and can depend on a variety of individual factors. Some of these factors can include:

Level of severity of the mental health disorder

Medical complications

Accessibility to outside support and residential treatment

Residential treatment helps clients acquire the skills needed to return home so they can continue to move forward in their recovery. Once you are ready to make the transition home you will leave with a comprehensive aftercare plan and on-going support in place so that the process of healing can continue.

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